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Q&A

An Eastern Pope?

Tom Nash

Question:

Can an Eastern Catholic become pope?

Answer:

Yes, an Eastern-rite Catholic could be elected pope, although, as with Latin-rite Catholics, if that occurred, it would almost surely be an Eastern-rite cardinal elector (cardinals under 80), of which there is only one at present: Cardinal Béchara Boutros​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Rai, the Maronite Patriarch.

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